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EBI Leadership and Character Development 113 New Testament Survey 3 Notes

New Testament Survey 3 NotesHow to Develop Integrity and Multiply your Ministry

Building the Need for the course

This course is about renewing our mind and being transformed. (Romans 12:1-2). We want this course to have real-life value that truly transforms your life and relationships to live a life of authenticity, joy, meaning, and significance, and spiritual victory.

Thanks for joining us for this special course on the General Epistles and the Book of Revelation. As we invest in these 14 sessions together we will focus on Christ as our Great High Priest and His sacrifice for us; on maturity, faith, and endurance; on trials and temptations; on the law of love; on truth wealth; on persecution; on being part of the family of God; on marriage and family in difficult times; on diligence and making a difference; on false teachers and immorality; and on Christ’s return. Our time together will emphasize the critical need to be authentic, faithful, intentional, and virtuous.

Casting the Vision of the Future

This world needs your talents, your passion, and your faith. By the time you complete this course, we see you sharing what you have learned and helping others find faith, hope, love, and purpose using internet blogs, Facebook, Social media, Twitter, and YouTube.

Explaining the Rationale for the course and its design

Research indicates that it takes 21 days to develop new daily habits; it takes 14 weeks to develop a change of attitude. By the time you complete this course you should have more assurance, courage, diligence, hope, joy, perseverance, and resilience in the face of suffering.

Providing the Context: We are in the midst of a spiritual battle

Biblical knowledge is the foundation of transformation. Faith comes from hearing and correctly understanding the Word of God. But biblical knowledge without Christian character results in becoming a Pharisee.

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Applications for Leaders from Hebrews through 2 Peter1 What are the key applications in Hebrews on the theme: “High Priest”?

In the Old Testament, the high priest represented the Jews before God.Because Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, He is the perfect substitute to die for our sin.Jesus guarantees our access to God the Father.He intercedes for us so we can boldly come to the Father with our needs.When we are weak, we can come confidently to God for forgiveness and ask for His help.

2 What are the key applications in Hebrews on the theme: “Maturity”?Though we are saved from sin when we believe in Christ, we are given the task of going on and

growing in our faith.The process of maturing in our faith takes time; daily commitment and service produce maturity.When we are mature in our faith, we are not easily swayed or shaken by temptations or worldly

concerns.

3 What are the key applications in Hebrews on the theme: “Endurance”?Faith enables Christians to face trials.Genuine faith includes the commitment to stay true to God when we are under fire.Endurance builds character and leads to victory.We can have victory in our trials if we don’t give up or turn our back on Christ.

4 What are the key applications in James on the theme: “Living Faith”?James wants believers not only to hear the truth but also to put it into action.James contrasts empty faith (claims without conduct) with faith that works.Commitment to love and to serve others is evidence of true faith.Make sure your faith is more than just a statement; it should also result in action.Seek ways of putting your faith to work

5 What are the key applications in James on the theme: “Trials”?In the Christian life there are trials and temptations—do not expect things to go smoothly.Successfully overcoming trials and temptations produces maturity and strong character.Don’t resent troubles when they come.Pray for wisdom; God will supply all you need to face persecution or adversity.God will give you patience and keep you strong in times of trial.

6 What are the key applications in James on the theme: “Wealth”?James taught Christians not to compromise with worldly attitudes about wealth.Because the glory of wealth fades, Christians should store up God’s treasures through sincere

service and generosity toward others.All of us are accountable for how we use what we have.We should not be impressed by the wealthy nor look down on those who are poor.

7 What are the key applications in 1 Peter on the theme: “Salvation”?God chose us out of His love for us, Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin, and the Holy Spirit

cleansed us from sin when we believed.Eternal life is a wonderful gift for those who trust in Christ.If we experience joy in relationship with Christ now, how much greater will our joy be when He

returns and we see Him face to face.Hope of Christ’s return should motivate us to serve Christ with greater commitment.

8 What are the key applications in 1 Peter on the theme: “Persecution”?Peter offers faithful believers comfort and hope.We should expect ridicule, rejection, and suffering because we are Christians.




Persecution makes us stronger because it refines our faith.We should expect persecution, but we don’t have to be terrified by it.The fact that we will live eternally with Christ should give us the confidence, patience, and hope to

stand firm even when we are persecuted.

9 What are the key applications in 1 Peter on the theme: “God’s Family”?We are privileged to belong to God’s family.Everyone in this community is related—we are brothers and sisters, loved equally by God.Because Christ is the head of our family, we must be devoted, loyal, and faithful to one another.We must accept the challenge to live differently from the society around us.

10 What are the key applications in 1 Peter on the theme: “Family Life”?Peter encouraged the wives of nonbelievers to submit to their husbands’ authority as a means of

winning them to Christ.Peter urged all family members to treat others with sympathy, love, respect, and humility.We must treat our families lovingly. Loving service is the best way to influence loved ones.To gain the strength we need for self-discipline and submission, we need to pray for God’s help.Always show love and respect.

11 What are the key applications in 1 Peter on the theme: “Judgment”?God will judge everyone with perfect justice.God will punish evildoers and those who persecute God’s people.Those who love God will be rewarded with life forever in His presence.Because all are accountable to God, we can leave judgment of others to Him.We must not hate or resent those who persecute us.We should realize that we will be held responsible for how we live each day.

12 What are the key applications in 2 Peter on the theme: “Diligence”?If our faith is real, it will be evident in our godly behavior.If people are diligent in Christian growth, they won’t backslide or be deceived by false teachers.

Growth begins with faith and culminates in love for others.To keep growing, we need to know God, keep on following Him, and remember what He taught us.

We must remain diligent in faithful obedience and Christian growth.

13 What are the key applications in 2 Peter on the theme: “False Teachers”?Peter warns Christians to beware of false teachers among us.These teachers were proud of their position, promoted sexual sin, and rejected the Scriptures.Peter countered them by pointing to the Spirit-inspired Scriptures as our authority.Christians need discernment to be able to resist false teachers.God can rescue us from the lies of false teachers if we stay true to His Word and reject those who

distort the truth.

14 What are the key applications in 2 Peter on the theme: “Christ’s Return”?Our hope is in the promise that one day Christ will create a new heaven and earth, where we will live

forever; but with Christ’s return comes His judgment on all who refuse to believe.The cure for complacency, immorality, and heresy is found in the confident assurance that Christ will

return.God is still giving unbelievers time to repent.Christians must keep on trusting and resist the pressure to give up waiting for Christ’s return.




Applications for Leaders from 1 John through Revelation1 What are the key applications in 1 John on the theme of “Love”?

Christ commands us to love others as He loved us.This love is evidence that we are truly saved.God is the Creator of love; He cares that His children love each other.Love means putting others first and being unselfish.To show love we must give sacrificially of our time and money to meet the needs of others.

2 What are the key applications in 1 John on the theme of “Truth and Error”?False teachers encouraged believers to throw off moral restraints.False teachers also taught that Christ wasn’t really a man and that we must be saved by having some special mystical knowledge. The result was that people became indifferent to sin.God is truth and light, so the more we get to know Him, the better we can keep focused on the truth. Don’t be led astray by any teaching that denies Christ’s deity or humanity.

3 What are the key applications in 2 John on the theme of “Truth”?Following God’s Word, the Bible, is essential to Christian living because God is truth.Christ’s true followers consistently obey His truth.To be loyal to Christ’s teaching, we must seek to know the Bible, but we may never twist its message to our own needs or purposes or encourage others who misuse it.

4 What are the key applications in 2 John on the theme of “False Leaders”?We must be wary of religious leaders who are not true to Christ’s teaching.We should not give them a platform to spread false teaching.Don’t encourage church leaders who are opposed to Christ.Politely remove yourself from association with false leaders.Be aware of what is being taught in your church.

5 What are the key applications in 3 John on the theme of “Hospitality”?John wrote to encourage those who were kind to others.Genuine hospitality for traveling Christian workers is still important today.Faithful Christian teachers and missionaries need our support.Whenever you can extend hospitality to others, it will make you a partner in their ministry.

6 What are the key applications in 3 John on the theme of “Pride”?Diotrephes not only refused to offer hospitality but also set Himself up as a church boss.Pride disqualified Him from being a real leader.Christian leaders must shun pride and its effects on them.Be careful not to misuse your position of leadership.

7 What are the key applications in Jude on the theme of “False teachers”?




Jude warns against false teachers and leaders who reject the lordship of Christ, undermine the faith of others, and lead them astray--these leaders and any who follow them will be punished.We must staunchly defend Christian truth.Make sure that you avoid leaders and teachers who distort the Bible to suit their own purposes. Genuine servants of God will faithfully portray Christ in their words and conduct.

8 What are the key applications in Jude on the theme of “Apostasy”?Jude also warns against apostasy—turning away from Christ.We are to remember that God punishes rebellion against Him.We must be careful not to drift away from a faithful commitment to Christ.Those who do not seek to know the truth in God’s Word are susceptible to apostasy.Christians must guard against any false teachings that would distract them from the truth preached by the apostles and written in God’s Word.

9 What are the key applications in Revelation on the theme of “God’s sovereignty”?God is sovereign—He is greater than any power in the universe.God is not to be replaced with by any leader, government, or religion.He controls history for the purpose of uniting true believers in loving fellowship with Him.Though Satan’s power may temporarily increase, we are not to be led astray.God is all-powerful—He will bring His true family safely into eternal life.Because He cares for us, we can trust Him with our very life.

10 What are the key applications in Revelation on the theme of “Christ’s return”?Christ came to earth as a “Lamb,” the symbol of His perfect sacrifice for our sin; He will return as the triumphant “Lion,” the rightful ruler.Christ will defeat Satan, judge all those who reject Him, and bring His faithful people into eternity.Assurance of Christ’s return gives suffering Christians the strength to endure.We can look forward to His return as king and judge by keeping our faith strong.

11 What are the key applications in Revelation on the theme of “God’s faithful people”?John wrote to encourage the church to resist the demands to worship the Roman emperor.John warns all God’s faithful people to be devoted only to Christ.Revelation identified who the faithful people are and what they should be doing until Christ returns.You can take your place in the ranks of God’s faithful people by believing in Christ.Victory is sure for those who resist temptation and make loyalty to Christ their top priority.

12 What are the key applications in Revelation on the theme of “Judgment”?One day God’s anger toward sin will be fully and completely unleashed.Satan will be defeated with all of His agents; all false religion will be destroyed.God will reward the faithful with eternal life, but all who refuse to believe in Him will face eternal punishment.Evil and injustice will not prevail forever--God’s final judgment will put an end to these.We need to be certain of our commitment to Jesus if we want to escape this great final judgment.

13 What are the key applications in Revelation on the theme of “Hope”?One day God will create a new heaven and a new earth.All believers will live with Him forever in perfect peace and security.Those who have already died will be raised to life.These promises for the future bring us hope.When we have confidence in our final destination, we can follow Christ with unwavering dedication no matter what we must face.




Hebrews To present the sufficiency and superiority of Christ as our Great High Priest

Theme Explanation Importance

Christ Is Superior

Hebrews reveals Jesus’ true identity as God. Jesus is the ultimate authority. He is greater than any religion or any angel. He is superior to any Jewish leader (such as Abraham, Moses, or Joshua) and superior to any priest. He is the complete revelation of God.

Jesus alone can forgive our sin. He has secured our forgiveness and salvation by His death on the cross. We can find peace with God and real meaning for life by believing in Christ. We should not accept any alternative to or substitute for Him.

High Priest In the Old Testament, the high priest represented the Jews before God. Jesus Christ links us with God. There is no other way to reach God. Because Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, He is the perfect substitute to die for our sin. He is our perfect representative with God.

Jesus guarantees our access to God the Father. He intercedes for us so we can boldly come to the Father with our needs. When we are weak, we can come confidently to God for forgiveness and ask for His help.

Sacrifice Christ’s sacrifice was the ultimate fulfillment of all that the Old Testament sacrifices represented—God’s forgiveness for sin. Because Christ is the perfect sacrifice for our sin, our sins are completely forgiven—past, present, and future.

Christ removed sin, which barred us from God’s presence and fellowship. But we must accept His sacrifice for us. By believing in Him, we are no longer guilty but cleansed and made whole. His sacrifice clears the way for us to have eternal life.

Maturity Though we are saved from sin when we believe in Christ, we are given the task of going on and growing in our faith. Through our relationship with Christ, we can live blameless lives, be set aside for His special use, and develop maturity.

The process of maturing in our faith takes time. Daily commitment and service produce maturity and sanctification. When we are mature in our faith, we are not easily swayed or shaken by temptations or worldly concerns.

Faith Faith is confident trust in God’s promises. God’s greatest promise is that we can be saved through Jesus.

If we trust in Jesus Christ for our complete salvation, He will transform us completely. A life of obedience and complete trust is pleasing to God.

Endurance Faith enables Christians to face trials. Genuine faith includes the commitment to stay true to God when we are under fire. Endurance builds character and leads to victory.

Never give up. We can have victory in our trials if we don’t give up or turn our back on Christ. Stay true to Christ and pray for endurance.



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JAMES To expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behavior.


Living Faith James wants believers not only to hear the truth but also to put it into action. He contrasts empty faith (claims without conduct) with faith that works. Commitment to love and to serve others is evidence of true faith.

Living faith makes a difference. Make sure your faith is more than just a statement; it should also result in action. Seek ways of putting your faith to work.

Trials In the Christian life there are trials and temptations. Successfully overcoming these adversities produces maturity and strong character.

Don’t resent troubles when they come. Pray for wisdom; God will supply all you need to face persecution or adversity. He will give you patience and keep you strong in times of trial.

Law of Love We are saved by God’s gracious mercy, not by keeping the law. But Christ gave us a special command: ”Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:19). We are to love and serve those around us.

Keeping the law of love shows that our faith is vital and real. When we show love to others, we are overcoming our own selfishness.

Wise Speech

Wisdom shows itself in wise speech. God holds us responsible for the results of our destructive words. The wisdom of God that helps control the tongue can help control all our actions.

Accepting God’s wisdom will affect your speech. Your words will convey true humility and lead to peace. Think before you speak and allow God to give you self-control.

True Wealth

James taught Christians not to compromise with worldly attitudes about wealth. Because the glory of wealth fades, Christians should store up God’s treasures through sincere service. Christians must not show partiality to the wealthy or be prejudiced against the poor.

All of us are accountable for how we use what we have. We should not hoard wealth but be generous toward others. In addition, we should not be impressed by the wealthy nor look down on those who are poor.



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1 PETER To offer encouragement to suffering and persecuted Christians.


Salvation Our salvation is a gracious gift from God. God chose us out of His love for us, Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sin, and the Holy Spirit cleansed us from sin when we believed. Eternal life is a wonderful gift for those who trust in Christ.

Our safety and security are in God. If we experience joy in relationship with Christ now, how much greater will our joy be when He returns and we see Him face to face. Such a hope should motivate us to serve Christ with greater commitment.

Persecution Peter offers faithful believers comfort and hope. We should expect ridicule, rejection, and suffering because we are Christians. Persecution makes us stronger because it refines our faith. We can face persecution victoriously, as Christ did, if we rely on Him.

Christians still suffer for what they believe. We should expect persecution, but we don’t have to be terrified by it. The fact that we will live eternally with Christ should give us the confidence, patience, and hope to stand firm even when we are persecuted.

God’s Family We are privileged to belong to God’s family, a community with Christ as the founder and foundation. Everyone in this community is related—we are brothers and sisters, loved equally by God.

Because Christ is the foundation of our family, we must be devoted, loyal, and faithful to Him. By obeying Him, we show that we are His children. We must accept the challenge to live differently from the society around us.

Family Life Peter encouraged the wives of nonbelievers to submit to their husbands’ authority as a means of winning them to Christ. He urged all family members to treat others with sympathy, love, compassion, and humility.

We must treat our families lovingly. Though it’s never easy, willing service is the best way to influence loved ones. To gain the strength we need for self-discipline and submission, we need to pray for God’s help. Always show love and respect.

Judgment God will judge everyone with perfect justice. We all will face God. He will punish evildoers and those who persecute God’s people. Those who love Him will be rewarded with life forever in His presence.

Because all are accountable to God, we can leave judgment of others to Him. We must not hate or resent those who persecute us. We should realize that we will be held responsible for how we live each day.




2 PETER To warn Christians about false teachers and to exhort them to grow in their faith in and knowledge of Christ.


Diligence If our faith is real, it will be evident in our godly behavior. If people are diligent in Christian growth, they won’t backslide or be deceived by false teachers.

Growth is essential. It begins with faith and culminates in love for others. To keep growing, we need to know God, keep on following Him, and remember what He taught us. We must remain diligent in faithful obedience and Christian growth.

False Teachers

Peter warns the church to beware of false teachers. These teachers were proud of their position, promoted sexual sin, and advised against keeping the Ten Commandments. Peter countered them by pointing to the Spirit-inspired Scriptures as our authority.

Christians need discernment to be able to resist false teachers. God can rescue us from their lies if we stay true to His Word, the Bible, and reject those who distort the truth.

Christ’s Return

One day Christ will create a new heaven and earth, where we will live forever. As Christians, our hope is in this promise. But with Christ’s return comes His judgment on all who refuse to believe.

The cure for complacency, lawlessness, and heresy is found in the confident assurance that Christ will return. God is still giving unbelievers time to repent. To be ready, Christians must keep on trusting and resist the pressure to give up waiting for Christ’s return.




1 JOHN To reassure Christians in their faith and to counter false teachings and immorality.


Sin Even Christians sin. Sin requires God’s forgiveness, and Christ’s death provides it for us. Determining to live according to God’s standards in the Bible shows that our life is being transformed.

We cannot deny our sin nature, maintain that we are “above” sinning, or minimize the consequences of sin in our relationship with God. We must resist the attraction of sin, yet we must confess when we do sin.

Love Christ commands us to love others as He loved us. This love is evidence that we are truly saved. God is the Creator of love; He cares that His children love each other.

Love means putting others first and being unselfish. Love is action—showing others we care—not just saying it. To show love we must give sacrificially of our time and money to meet the needs of others.

Family of God

We become God’s children by believing in Christ. God’s life in us enables us to love our fellow family members.

How we treat others shows who our Father is. Live as a faithful, loving family member.

Truth and Error

Teaching that the physical body does not matter, false teachers encouraged believers to throw off moral restraints. They also taught that Christ wasn’t really a man and that we must be saved by having some special mystical knowledge. The result was that people became indifferent to sin.

God is truth and light, so the more we get to know Him, the better we can keep focused on the truth. Don’t be led astray by any teaching that denies Christ’s deity or humanity. Check the message; test the claims.

Assurance God is in control of heaven and earth. Because His Word is true, we can have assurance of eternal life and victory over sin. By faith we can be certain of our eternal destiny with Him.

Assurance of our relationship with God is a promise, but it is also a way of life. We build our confidence by trusting God’s Word and in Christ’s provision for our sin.




2 JOHN To emphasize the basics of following Christ—truth and love—and to warn against false teachers.


Truth Following God’s Word, the Bible, is essential to Christian living because God is truth. Christ’s true followers consistently obey His truth.

To be loyal to Christ’s teaching, we must seek to know the Bible, but we may never twist its message to our own needs or purposes or encourage others who misuse it.

Love Christ’s command is for Christians to love one another. This is the basic ingredient of true Christianity.

To obey Christ fully, we must believe His command to love others. Helping, giving and meeting needs put love into practice.

False Leaders

We must be wary of religious leaders who are not true to Christ’s teaching. We should not give them a platform to spread false teaching.

Don’t encourage those who are opposed to Christ. Politely remove yourself from association with false leaders. Be aware of what is being taught in your church.




3 JOHN To commend courageous Gaius for his hospitality and to encourage him in his Christian life.


Hospitality John wrote to encourage those who were kind to others. Genuine hospitality for traveling Christian workers was needed then and is still important today.

Faithful Christian teachers and missionaries need our support. Whenever you can extend hospitality to others, it will make you a partner in their ministry.

Pride Diotrephes not only refused to offer hospitality but also set Himself up as a church boss. Pride disqualified Him from being a real leader.

Christian leaders must shun pride and its effects on them. Be careful not to misuse your position of leadership.

Faithfulness Gaius and Demetrius were commended for their faithful work in the church. They were held up as examples of faithful, selfless servants.

Don’t take for granted Christian workers who serve faithfully. Be sure to encourage them so they won’t grow weary of serving.



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JUDE To remind the church of the need for constant vigilance—to keep strong in the faith and to oppose heresy.


False Teachers

Jude warns against false teachers and leaders who reject the lordship of Christ, undermine the faith of others, and lead them astray. These leaders and any who follow them will be punished.

We must staunchly defend Christian truth. Make sure that you avoid leaders and teachers who distort the Bible to suit their own purposes. Genuine servants of God will faithfully portray Christ in their words and conduct.

Apostasy Jude also warns against apostasy—turning away from Christ. We are to remember that God punishes rebellion against Him. We must be careful not to drift away from a faithful commitment to Christ.

Those who do not seek to know the truth in God’s Word are susceptible to apostasy. Christians must guard against any false teachings that would distract them from the truth preached by the apostles and written in God’s Word.




REVELATION To reveal the full identity of Christ and to give warning and hope to persecuted believers.


God’s Sovereignty God is sovereign. He is greater than any power in the universe. God is not to be compared with any leader, government, or religion. He controls history for the purpose of uniting true believers in loving fellowship with Him.

Though Satan’s power may temporarily increase, we are not to be led astray. God is all-powerful. He will bring His true family safely into eternal life. Because He cares for us, we can trust Him with our very life.

Christ’s Return Christ came to earth as a “Lamb,” the symbol of His perfect sacrifice for our sin. He will return as the triumphant “Lion,” the rightful ruler and conqueror. He will defeat Satan, settle accounts with all those who reject Him, and bring His faithful people into eternity.

Assurance of Christ’s return gives suffering Christians the strength to endure. We can look forward to His return as king and judge. Since no one knows the time when He will appear, we must be ready at all times by keeping our faith strong.

God’s Faithful People

John wrote to encourage the church to resist the demands to worship the Roman emperor. He warns all God’s faithful people to be devoted only to Christ. Revelation identified who the faithful people are and what they should be doing until Christ returns.

Do not worship the government. You can take your place in the ranks of God’s faithful people by believing in Christ. Victory is sure for those who resist temptation and make loyalty to Christ their top priority.

Judgment One day God’s anger toward sin will be fully and completely unleashed. Satan will be defeated with all of His agents. False religion will be destroyed. God will reward the faithful with eternal life, but all who refuse to believe in Him will face eternal punishment.

Evil and injustice will not prevail forever. God’s final judgment will put an end to these. We need to be certain of our commitment to Jesus if we want to escape this great final judgment. No one who rejects Christ will escape God’s punishment.

Hope One day God will create a new heaven and a new earth. All believers will live with Him forever in perfect peace and security. Those who have already died will be raised to life. These promises for the future bring us hope.

Our great hope is that what Christ promises will come true. When we have confidence in our final destination, we can follow Christ with unwavering dedication no matter what we must face. We can be encouraged by hoping in Christ’s return.




Summaries of the General Epistles and the Book of Revelation

HebrewsA.D. 64

Theme: Warnings and encouragementAuthor: Author is unnamed

Although primarily addressed to the Jewish Christians of that day, the book of Hebrews is for all believers today. Its main purposes are to demonstrate that Christianity is not a mixture of Judaism and the gospel (Judaism with its ceremonial animal sacrifices could never take away sins); to warn believers against neglecting their salvation.Many warnings are given to believers not to shrink back, through unbelief or slothfulness, into their former beliefs and practices. Rather, through faith and confidence in the perfect sacrifice of Christ, they are admonished to go forward into Christian maturity and usefulness. Like the Children of Israel, it is possible for believers today to spend a lifetime wandering in the wilderness. They may fall into sin such an extent that it brings God’s hand of chastisement upon them. Hebrews, however, contains some of the most encouraging promises in all the Word concerning the completed work of Calvary and the believer’s security in Christ. Hebrews 11 lists the heroes of faith.

James A.D. 45-60

Theme: Genuine Christian faithAuthor: Apostle James

The book of James develops the practical aspects of how a man's faith will affect his Christian living. While the apostle Paul establishes the doctrine of justification by faith alone, James emphasizes the outworking of this faith in the believer's life and in his relationship to others. "If a man is truly saved," James argues, "his faith in Christ will produce good works:' Topics discussed in this book include: testing of Christian faith; control of the tongue; brotherly love and consideration for fellow believers.

1 PeterA.D. 60

Theme: Suffering and gloryAuthor: Apostle Peter

Peter probably wrote his first epistle to Christians who had fled into Asia Minor (Turkey) to avoid Nero’s persecution. The book encourages suffering Christians to be patient in tribulation, to rejoice with joy unspeakable because of their great hope in Christ, and to live worthy of Him who is coming again.

2 PeterA.D. 64-66

Theme: Faithfulness to ChristAuthor: Apostle Peter

Peter was awaiting martyrdom. He warns Christian believers that false teachers and scoffers will come and seek to lead them astray, but believers must stand faithful to Christ and reject their godless errors. Because of the imminent return of Christ, Peter admonishes Christians to godly living.




1 JohnA.D. 85-95

Theme: Instructions for Christian livingAuthor: Apostle John

The theme of 1 John is the fellowship of God’s family. The writer gives instructions in righteous living to God’s children. The epistle also tells the believer who he may know he is born again, and how he may have fellowship with God and with other believers. Believers are to hate sin and love one another. False teachers are strongly rebuked, and believers are warned against them.

2 JohnA.D. 85-95


The theme of 2 John is Christ’s commandment. Second John is addressed either to a local church or an individual woman. Believers are exhorted to be faithful to the truth in times of spiritual decline because many deceivers are in the world.

3 JohnA.D. 85-95


The theme of 3 John is “walking in truth.” Third John is a letter addressed to a man named Gaius, who is commended for his hospitality. Diotrephes, a man who wanted to dominate the church, is rebuked.

JudeA.D. 65-60

Theme: Warnings against immoral teachersAuthor: Jude

Jude warned believers about immoral men who were corrupting the teaching of God's grace. These men taught that since God no longer held the sins of believers against them, they were free to live any way they chose. Jude warned his readers to guard against being entrapped by such teachings and to rescue those who had already been influenced by evil men teaching this heresy.

RevelationA.D. 95

Theme: Triumph of God over SatanAuthor: Apostle John

Through an angel, the Lord revealed to John a picture of events that would mark the end of the world as we know it and the manifestation of the Kingdom of God. God also used John's writing to speak to seven local churches in Asia, evaluating their spiritual life and witness. As the end approaches, the world will become a place of unspeakable evil and misery. God will judge all sin and make things right. Satan will meet his final doom. Revelation depicts Jesus Christ in all His power and glory. It tells how He will return to conquer evil and set up His rule.




Responding to Persecution

Hebrews 10:32-34

2 Thessalonians 1:3-7

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Romans 12:14

1 Peter 3:13-17

1 Peter 4:12-16

Jewels in the Book of Revelation

Description Response Confidence

Sparkling Diamond

Red Sardis

Green Emerald

Wow, oh, Wow!

Worship

Our Father




Names of Jesus in Revelation

Reference Name Significance

Revelation 1:8 The Alpha and the Omega

Revelation 1:8 Lord God

Revelation 1:8 The Almighty

Revelation 1:13 Son of Man

Revelation 1:17 The First and the Last

Revelation 1:18 The Living One

Revelation 2:18 Son of God

Revelation 3:14 Witness

Revelation 4:11 Creator

Revelation 5:5 Lion of the tribe of Judah

Revelation 5:5 Root of David

Revelation 5:6 Lamb

Revelation 7:17 Shepherd

Revelation 12:10 Christ

Revelation 19:11 Faithful and True

Revelation 19:13 Word of God

Revelation 19:16 King of kings

Revelation 19:16 Lord of lords

Revelation 22:16 The Morning Star




The Letters to the Seven Churches

Church Reference Commendation Rebuke Application

Ephesus 2:1-7 Hard work, perseverance

Forsaken first love

Remember and repent of apathy

Smyrna 2:8-11 Suffered persecution, poverty

----- Do not fear, be faithful unto death

Pergamum 2:12-17 True to faith Compromise Repent of compromise

Thyatira 2:18-29 Love, faith, service Immorality Repent of immorality

Sardis 3:1-6 Effective Shallow Wake up, repent of superficiality

Philadelphia 3:7-13 Faithful ---- Hold on to the faith

Laodicea 3:14-22 ----- Lukewarm Be earnest and repent

Each church and every Christian should evaluate themselves in light of these letters of Jesus.

Which church are you most like?

What do you need to do about it?




Our Victory over Satan – Revelation 12:1-17

Luke 22:31-32

Ephesians 6:12-13

2 Timothy 1:7

James 4:7-8

1 Peter 5:8-10

1 John 4:4

The Works of Satan in the World – Revelation 12-13

Revelation 12:13 Hatred Satan’s hatred for Christ.

Revelation 12:17 Discrimination Satan’s hatred for the people of God.

Revelation 13:2 Oppression Satan’s power and authority is great (temporary).

Revelation 13:4 Coercion Satan’s popularity among unbelievers (peer pressure).

Revelation 13:6 Blasphemy Satan’s blasphemy against God (movies).

Revelation 13:7 Persecution Satan’s war against believers.

Revelation 13:14 Deception Satan’s ability to deceive.




How Can a Person Keep Away from the Evil System – Revelation 18

1 People must always be more important than things.

2 Keep away from arrogance in your own programs, plans, and successes.

3 Remember that the Word of God must never be compromised.

4 Remember that the will of God must never be ignored.

5 People must always be considered above the making of money.

6 Do what is right, no matter what the cost.

7 Be involved in work and businesses that help—rather than exploit people.

The Beginning and the End

The Bible records the story of mankind, form beginning to end—

from the fall into sin to redemption and the ultimate victory of God over evil.

Genesis Revelation

The Sun is created. Sun no longer needed.

Satan appears to be victorious Satan is defeated—and God is victorious.

Sin enters the human race. Sin is banished.

Adam and Eve run and hide from God. People are invited to live with God forever.

Humanity is cursed with suffering. The curse is removed.

Tears are shed with sorrow for sin. No more tears, sorrow, or sin.

The earth is cursed. The earth is made new.

Sinners may not eat of the tree of life. God’s people may eat from the tree of life.

Paradise is lost. Paradise is regained

Wages of sin is death, separation from God.

Death is defeated, believers live forever with God.




Revelation Charts



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